Study notes and meeting the CMO (Part II)

Posted on 27 Oct 2020 @ 8:16pm by

Mission: R&R - after facing the Planet Killer
Location: Medical
Timeline: R&R Mission Day ?
1404 words - 2.8 OF Standard Post Measure

C'tora's whiskers twitched several times. " I play the Caitian Overa, it's kind of like the earth violin, and I probably do not play quite as well as you. In the academy given the embarrassing nickname of the Fiddling Doctor." He looked at them with those pleading soulful eyes that only a cat can give you. " Please don't tell anyone that! In exchange I can make you mean dish of sashimi." He said with pride, hoping his food bribe and those quivering liquid eyes would work.

"Its a deal... for me anyway. I can't speak for Mister Hawkins here!"
She smiled at the nickname, and she had every intention of ribbing him with it at every opportunity.

Michael chuckled, "Now what's wrong with being known as that. I heard of another doctor who had the nickname of The Dancing Doctor." giving C'Tora a teasing smile. " I know how to play several instruments, so we shall definitely talk about this more."

" What's wrong with it? The entire concept of the way humans used to make the bow materials for their violins." C'Tora gave a visible shiver. " Using cat intestines to play they're instruments, the very thought of it makes my skin crawl." He shook his head sadly. " Cats and Caitians come from a similar family tree, and the thought of them being butchered like that......" He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. " I'm sorry, I shouldn't have gone on like that. I apologize for the outburst like that, let's talk about something more pleasant shall we? Or have I already ruined the mood of this meeting? If so I am truly sorry."

"You have far from ruined the mood. So don't apologise" Xu offered suddenly seeing his perspective on the nickname and feeling a little silly at her own take on his nickname in the first instance. She felt more than a little childish now.

Michael waved his hand in the air as if to dismiss C'Tora's worry. "They do not use that material anymore, not for quite along time. Though I can understand your perspective. I hadn't thought of it in that aspect. Don't worry C'Tora, you haven't ruined the mood at all. In fact, you gave a different perception on things. All about learning."

" Thank you both for being so understanding." He let out a sigh and shook his head to clear away the thoughts. C'Tora craned his neck and looked out his office window and watched a nurse go around the corner. Seeing the coast was clear he crouched down next to a small specimen fridge which was marked Experimental materials and Bio Hazard. He opened the door a clicked a button that turned off the hologram which appeared to be testing and storage containers, revealing a half dozen chocolate cream eclairs and brought out three of them and turned the hologram back on. C'Tora looked at them and grinned. " Shh.. Doctors private prescription stash." and set the eclairs on the desk.

Michael watched C'Tora's actions with great interest. "A secret stash, very interesting. I take it that this is something you've done in the past?" chuckling as he accepted an eclair. "Thank you." then bit in it with great delight.

" Well a few assignments ago I had a few nurses who were severe chocoholics, and if they found anything chocolate it was fair game. So I had an engineering buddy of mine build this for me and no problems ever since." He said simply. " Besides, when your 2.2 meters in height and 220 kilos in weight, It requires that I need to take in a minimum of 10 kilos of protein per day." He thought for a moment. " I believe on earth I would be what is called a jungle cat, So roughly the same dietary intake ."

"You are certainly not what I would have expected Doctor, and I apologize for making the assumption I did in the first instance. If anything my previous assignment has taught me is never assume from a racial perspective".
Despite her own desire not to be pulled into a discussion about her past she found herself openly talking about it so swiftly changed the subject.
"So can we ask... have you taken the bridge officers examination?"

C'Tora looked at Xu. " I'll answer your second question first. Like you I am a Lieutenant JG, both my parents are doctors so I grew up around it and it gave my an advantage knowledge wise in the academy. Most Starfleet doctors don't become a CMO until their 30's or early 40's, I'm in my mid 20's." He shrugged his shoulders. " So I guess I'm doing well in my career or just lucky. And no I haven't taken the bridge officers test as of yet. But I'm pretty sure I'll ace the medical section."

He tilted his head and looked at Xu quizzically. " Your earlier statement has made me...curious. Just what was this pre conceived notion you had of me? It's never good to leave a cat curious, and I promise I won't be offended."

"My mother always told me the story's of the Ryu of ancient japan. They were supposed to be long ferocious dragons of old. All of them were wingless but from the descriptions she had given me, and having seen the Dragon shrine in Fujiyoshida, you reminded me somewhat of one... I apologise!"

She bowed her head every so slightly in supplication before turning back to her tea.

It was C'Tora's turn to be surprised. " Wow.. Umm.. Thank you. I am honored to be compared to a dragon. Yes we both have whiskers, claws and sharp pointy teeth. But dragons are either gods or servants of gods, I see no reason for you to give me an apology for such a lofty compliment." C'Tora smiled and refreshed the tea cups. " A cat likes who a cat likes, And I think I like you well enough to call you friend Xu. So if you ever want to talk, hang out or just a cup of tea. I'll be here for you." He said with a warm smile.

She couldn't help but smile, nursing the cup of warm tea between both of her hands on the cusp of taking a sip. He really had surprised her and he defiantly was not one to think along the same lines she did. She could see a very good friendship starting, one that would need her to be very open to the unexpected.

"I truly look forward to getting to know you more Doctor!"

Michael smiled, feeling rather pleased that this worked out. "Would you like me to let Amelia know you've not taken the bridge command test, C'Tora? Or shall I let that pass until a later date." finishing up his tea and his eclair.

He glanced at the time, his eyes widening. "Well, good thing there hasn't been an emergency, time has certainly flown by with this visit." he laughed. "I've got to get going, and make my presence known in Engineering. When the cat's away, the mice begin to play." he joked. "Thank you for the study notes, C'Tora."

C'Tora smiled. " I'm looking forward to getting to know you better as well my friend." He said to Xu. He listened to Michael's comment and gave him a quizzical look. " Your welcome for the study notes and I think I'll bring up to Amelia about the test at a later date. But Michael, Why would Hor D'oeuvres begin to play?" He said with a smirk.

Michael stopped and stared at C'Tora for a moment then he laughed. "Nice one C'Tora, very nice comeback."

He turned to Xu, and gave a proper bow. " Xu, it was lovely and sometime soon we need to do some catching up. I am not planning on leaving you high and dry in your new position." giving a warm smile.

"Thank you. I look forward to any help you can give, and your kindness is more than appreciated".
She once again bowed her head every so slightly.

" Well I should really get back to work. We're going to be busy in here today. I have a dozen crewmen coming in for their annual physical and have to finish our medical resupply order, That planet killer incident ate up a lot of our supplies sadly." Stated C'Tora matter- of- factly. " But I'll see you around the ship sometime soon." He said with a warm smile.